Hampton defeats N.C. Central 29-21

HAMPTON – Hampton's up-tempo offense controlled play for three quarters, and the defense made plays late as the Pirates defeated N.C. Central 29-21 Saturday at Armstrong Stadium.

Hampton (4-6, 4-2 MEAC) won for the fourth time in the past five games after an 0-5 start and rebounded from the previous week's disappointing loss to Morgan State. The Pirates prepare for a game against MEAC leader and nationally-ranked Bethune-Cookman next Saturday.

Redshirt freshman Marcus Hampton ran for a career-best 166 yards and one touchdown, leading a rushing attack that totaled 256 yards. Jorrian Washington rushed for 72 yards and two short touchdown runs.

Washington's second touchdown run gave the Pirates a 26-14 lead midway through the third quarter. The offense managed just one field goal in the last quarter-and-a-half, but the defense made two red zone stops in the fourth quarter.

The Pirates stopped N.C. Central on downs at the 20 with 9:57 remaining. The Eagles were driving for a potential tying score in the final minute, when HU safety Carvin Johnson made a spectacular one-handed interception at the Pirates' 2-yard line. He returned it 41 yards and slid down with 30 seconds remaining, effectively clinching the outcome.

Hampton overcame a dozen penalties and mistakes in the red zone that cost the Pirates points. They fumbled at the NCC 15 in the first quarter, committed 5-yard penalties on two different occasions at the Eagles' 1-yard line that cost potential touchdowns and missed a short field goal.

N.C. Central (4-6, 2-4 MEAC) quarterback Jordan Reid completed 15 of 35 passes for 203 yards, but was intercepted twice and was often under pressure and throwing on the run.

The Eagles' Adrian Wilkins returned the opening kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown and totaled 163 all-purpose yards.